(a) State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the
1.
context of civil services and bring out their importance. (150 words)
2nd ARC has mentioned foundational values for civil services.
However among the range of values of civil services some values are
universal in nature. For instance
i. Integrity Integrity is complete consonance of thought, speech
and action. It is best risk management preparedness against
internal and external pressure for doing corruption.
ii. Courage Value of courage is prerequisite for other values like
honesty, integrity, uprightness, empathy and compassion etc to
take expression. It helps to go through adversity and remain
dedicated to the service of nation.
ii. Non-partisanship - credibility and legitimacy of bureaucracy is
due to this non-partisan nature of bureaucracy.

iv. National interest-It is the highest duty of a civil servant to work
for the interest of the nation. This will help to fulfill the
constitutional promise of socio-economic justice to the citizens.
v. Democracy-Value of democracy has to be followed in the letter
and spirit to bring decentralization, transparency, and citizer
centric governance. This gives legitimacy, credibility and
acceptance to bureaucracy
A civil servant must always express these basic and universal values
and priorities them over other values using emotional intelligence.

(b) Distinguish between "Code of ethics" and "Code of conduct"
with suitable examples. (150 words)
"Code of conduct" is a set of procedural guidance to manage
behaviour of a civil servant in a particular situation. According to
2nd ARC, the Code of Conduct is a starting point for ensuring good
conduct. In India Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and All India
Services Conduct rules 1968 acts as "code of conduct" for civil
servants.
"Code of conducet" provides means to the civil servant while the end
values come from "code of ethics". "Code of ethics" reflects public
expectations from a civil servant with reference to political
impartiality, maintenance of highest ethical standards and
accountability for actions. In India there is no official "code of ethics"
for civil servants and the constitution acts as "code of ethics"

"Code of conduct" and "code of ethics" are aligned with each other
and are designed to guide the behaviour of civil servants. As per
conduct rules civil servants are directed to -
a) Act with fairness and impartiality and not discriminate against
anyone. This will help to achieve equality in country.
b) Refrain from doing anything which is or may be contrary to any
law, rules, regulations and established practices. This brings
justice in society.
c) Responsiveness to the public, particularly to the weaker section.
This helps in achieving the constitutional value of socialism.
Santhanam Committee observed that the deterioration in the
standards of public life has to be arrested for development of

material resources and raising the standards of life. Both code of
ethics and code of conduct are important in this regard

2. (a) What is meant by public interest? What are the principles
and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public
interest? (150 words)
Public interest is serving the need and aspiration of people at large.
t is working for people's right as promised by the constitution.
Giving primacy to public interest also helps to resolve ethical
dilemma in governance.
Principles upholding public interest which must be followed by civil
servants are as follows
i. Constitutional principles-provided under Preamble,
Fundamental rights and Directive Principle of State Policy to
develop a just society, reduce inequality, gender justice,
environmental conservation among others.

ii. Code of Ethics - that has end values of Justice, equality,
fraternity etc.
ii. Gandhian principles - of 'Sarvodaya' (Welfare of all)
iv. Other_ethicalprinciples like 'common good' approach,
'Utilitarianism' in governance
There are various source of guidance for procedure to be followed
by civil servants-
i. Code of conduct - of civil services laid down the procedure to be
followed. It has mean values like objectivity, impartiality, non-
partisanship etc which must be followed.
Rules, regulations, policies and Legislations-important acts on
public interest like Prevention of corruption act, Money
laundering act,

ii. Procedure laid down by the courts In absence of legislation,
civil servants must follow the procedure laid down by courts. Eg
SIT on Black money, ban on sale of alcohol on highways,
Sabrimala judgement etc
iv. International conventions-and guidance provided there in, eg-
Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention.
Civil servants must be trained to work in public interest because
fulfilment of public interest is the obligation of the government
under the 'Social Contract

(b) "The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens'
empowerment alone; it essentially redefines the concept of
accountability. Discuss. (150 words)
RTI is a powerful tool that strengthens democracy and promotes
good governance by enhancing the citizen's ability to participate in
the process. Earlier citizens were treated as subject and were living
under era of opaqueness. Now citizens are empowered to seek
information, ask question from administration and take informed
decision.
However RTI act has not only empowered citizens but also redefined
the concept of accountability by improving both answerability and
enforcement.

i. In the Pre RTI era executive accountability was to the parliament.
howeter a
executive.
ii. RTI act has provision of self-declaration of information. This has
increased the spirit of accountability.
ii. RTI requests are filed by public with ease. Simplification of
processes for filing of RTI Requests and Appeals to central
Government Authorities which included setting up of a call
centre and portal for filing of RTI requests in Gol offices
iv. RTI act has clearly defined the time period under which
information is to be provided and in case of non fulfilment the
procedure of grievance redressal and punishment to the PIO
This has helped in proper enforcement of RTI. The components
designed to achieve this were:

3. (a) What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with
examples, the difference between the actual and potential
conflicts of interest. (150 words)
Conflict of interest is said to arise when official duties, public
interest, and personal interest are taking priority one above the
other. Conflict of interest creates dilemma in the decision making
process. To maintain objectivity and probity, decisions must not be
taken while operating under conflict of interest. It must be resolves
first.
Actual conflict of interest exist is there already is competing
personal, professional and public interest. For instance